Projects and Initiatives

The Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning conducts many high-profile projects and studies, as well as proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Ordinance. Detailed information for each topic is available below:

Short-Term Property Rentals in Fairfax County

On March 14, 2017, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors directed staff to form a workgroup to analyze the short-term rental of property in Fairfax County and recommend possible changes to the County Code and Zoning Ordinance.

Reston PRC Zoning Ordinance Amendment

Based on recommendations from a 40-member community task force, the Comprehensive Plan for Reston was updated in 2014 and 2015. The plan calls for future growth to be focused in the Town Center, the Village Centers, and the areas around the three Metro Stations. An update to the Zoning Ordinance is needed to implement the new plan, because some of its current provisions limit the growth of Reston by capping its population to 13 persons per acre.

Zoning Ordinance Modernization Initiative

In 2017, Fairfax County launched a major initiative to modernize its Zoning Ordinance that was first established 40 years ago. Dubbed “zMOD”, the effort will help the County carry out its strategic plan to grow and diversify its economy.

Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments

Proposed amendments to the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance are scheduled to be authorized or have been authorized for advertisement of public hearings before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.

Proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments

The Plan Amendment (PA) Work Program lays out the review schedule for current Comprehensive Plan amendments and special studies. The work program consists of activity center and neighborhood planning studies, and site-specific (Board-authorized) and countywide policy amendments.

James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards

Sponsored by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and administered by the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Architectural Review Board, the James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards program recognizes achievement in the total design of building and site; and creates an awareness of outstanding planning and design projects among design professions and the general public.

Lorton/Laurel Hill Property

On July 15, 2002, Fairfax County received title to the former D.C. Department of Corrections facility at Lorton. The Laurel Hill Adaptive Reuse Citizens Task Force was established by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to guide the master planning of the adaptive reuse areas of Laurel Hill.